Based on our first-hand experience, Circle Medical earned 4 out of 5 stars. Their services are affordably priced for both out-of-network patients and those with insurance, making it a great option for individuals with relatively straightforward mental health needs, including certain cases of anxiety, depression, and ADHD. In states where it is legal, Circle can prescribe certain clinically approved controlled substances, including Adderall. Circle does not, however, offer online therapy or counseling.
Circle Medical At a Glance
Cost: $120 – $179 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Therapy: No
Location: 32 US states
Pros & Cons of Circle Medical
Pros - Accepts most major PPO insurance plans
- Transparent out-of-network pricing
- Can prescribe some controlled substances
- Same- & next-day appointments
- Comprehensive primary care
Cons - Providers aren't psychiatric specialists
- Does not offer therapy
- Full use requires a mobile download
- Does not accept Medicaid or Medi-Cal
Preview Circle Medical
Circle Medical offers video appointments for those seeking affordable primary and psychiatric care, with in-person care available in select states. They offer services for a number of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and issues with sleep. Circle is able to assess, diagnose, and provide ongoing treatment with both controlled and non-controlled medications. This includes Adderall and gender-affirming hormone treatment; but they do not prescribe benzodiazepines.
With same- and next-day availability, Circle Medical provides timely care. The providers on this platform are also in-network with most major insurance plans; however, they do not accept Medicaid or Medi-cal. Without insurance, Circle Medical costs range from $120 – $179 per session.
If you’re looking for virtual online therapy — something Circle does not provide — browse our list of the best online therapy options. Folks with Medicaid who want therapy or psychiatry should consider Brightside Health. It is one of our favorite platforms, and it accepts many Medicaid and Medicare plans in addition to commercial insurance.
For ADHD assessment and treatment options, try the aptly named ADHD Online. While it does not accept insurance, it is comparable to Circle in out-of-network price, and it offers coaching and therapy in addition to medication treatment. Talkiatry, on the other hand, exclusively accepts insurance, bringing copays down to around $30 per session.
Detailed Review of Circle Medical
We rated Circle Medical 4 out of 5 stars. The platform offers same- and next-day video appointments, primary care, and prescription services for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. While they don’t have a lot of extra resources, especially compared to a platform like Talkspace, they provide psychiatric care from primary care providers at an affordable price.
Read a full breakdown of their score below:
Review our scoring criteria for online psychiatry platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Psychiatry & Medication Management
Circle Medical offers virtual appointments with board-certified primary care providers trained in diagnosing and treating common mental health conditions. Initial appointments involve questionnaires and assessments, followed by personalized treatment plans. Costs vary based on insurance coverage, with uninsured patients paying $120 per video appointment.
Most conditions — but especially ADHD — will require multiple appointments for comprehensive diagnostics. Similarly, some conditions may require a physical exam or proof of one within the last year. Circle providers take considerable time to assess sensitive cases, particularly if they are considering prescribing certain controlled substances, such as Adderall. Note that Circle Medical does not prescribe benzodiazepines.
While Circle Medical does not provide therapy directly, they offer referrals if therapy is deemed necessary during your appointment.
ADHD Treatment
My impression of Circle ADHD treatment was mixed. The initial intake process via the app was smooth and user-friendly, and the emphasis on updating information and appointment reminders catered well to my ADHD tendencies. Although Circle Medical does not offer provider matching, they do provide bios and photos of their providers, allowing patients to choose.
I attempted to connect on my computer during my session but encountered technical difficulties, suggesting that the app is best on the phone. My provider was ten minutes late, but they communicated this with me. Overall, we had a productive and collaborative session. It’s important to note that the first appointment doesn’t immediately lead to a diagnosis, as Circle Medical prioritizes a thorough evaluation.
If you’re looking for other platforms that offer comprehensive assessment and ongoing treatment, you should take a look at our Talkiatry review and ADHD Online review. Both platforms offer testing and treatment, depending on which state you’re located in.
Circle Medicine, Primary Care, & More
Circle Medical offers a comprehensive wellness experience through its Wellness 360 program, which allows you to complete an annual wellness exam via video. With over 450+ board-certified providers, Circle Medical ensures a thorough assessment of your health status and collaborates with you to develop a personalized plan. They go beyond traditional annual check-ups, providing same-day blood work orders and detailed reviews of medical history with a focus on preventive health and wellness.
Sexual Health
Circle Medical also offers care for erectile dysfunction (ED), low libido, STIs, and other sexual health conditions for both women and men. While I didn’t specifically work with this side of Circle Medical’s care, this option is very useful for those who would prefer to discuss sexual health and receive treatment from the privacy of their own home.
Weight Loss
In addition to its mental and physical health offerings, Circle Medical provides care for weight loss. Many of Circle Medical’s doctors are trained in behavior change and nutrition to help you achieve the weight loss goals most conducive to your overall health. When deemed appropriate, Circle Medical is able to prescribe weight loss medications such as semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and others. However, they tend to focus on positive lifestyle and behavioral changes first.
Women’s Health
Circle Medical offers Women’s Health Annual Wellness visits to discuss treatment options. Services encompass birth control prescriptions, STD/STI testing and treatment, UTI antibiotic treatment, vaginal and yeast infection diagnosis and treatment, menstrual disorder management, family planning, menopause care, breast cancer screening, and hormone replacement therapy. Cost varies based on insurance coverage. Uninsured individuals can expect to pay $275 for an annual OB/GYN screening.
While I didn’t personally use the platform for a wellness exam, I appreciate the efficiency it offers. The ability to meet with a doctor virtually for issues like UTIs or yeast infections is particularly beneficial, providing quick access to diagnosis and treatment. However, the requirement for an annual in-person visit may pose challenges for some due to limited locations. In my case, there wasn’t a practice within 50 miles of my home, highlighting a potential limitation to accessing certain services.
Cost & Insurance
Circle Medical costs vary depending on the appointment type, with out-of-network expenses for mental health sessions ranging from $120 – $179 per session. Meanwhile, those with an in-network insurance plan can expect to pay a fraction of that, depending on their exact coverage.
There are no membership or annual fees, but late cancellations or no-shows cost $50 per session missed. Payment is due at the time of service, and while Circle Medical accepts FSA or HSA funds for mental health services, CareCredit is not currently accepted.
Details about Circle Medical’s out-of-pocket rates include:
- Video Appointment $120
- Video ADHD Appointment (initial appointment) $179
- Video ADHD Appointment (follow-up appointments) $120
- In-person ADHD Appointment $120
- Anxiety and Depression Video Assessment $120
- Sleep Video Appointment $120
- Video PrEP Intake Appointment $120
- Video Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy $120
Regarding insurance acceptance, Circle Medical works with most PPO plans and select San Francisco Bay Area HMO plans. Some insurance plans accepted include Aetna, Cigna, Meritain Health, and United Healthcare. Circle does not, however, provide care to Medicaid or Medi-Cal patients, regardless of payment method, or payment plans. If you have Medicaid you should check out Brightside Health. They accept most insurance plans, including some versions of Medicaid and Medicare.
At Circle Medical, insurance information is requested upon booking to verify benefits ahead of appointments. After your session, they submit claims to your insurance, and within 4-6 weeks, you receive an invoice. Unpaid balances beyond 30 days restrict your ability to book follow-up appointments until the balance is paid in full.
Who Do They Serve?
Circle Medical serves adults (18+), spanning 32 states in the US, and has in-person facilities in New York, San Francisco, and Beverly Hills (as well as satellite clinics across the country). Their services are well suited to people seeking primary care, routine medical attention, management of common acute conditions, and mild to moderate psychiatric support for issues like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
User Reviews
Circle Medical has a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on the Apple App Store and a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Google Play Store. User reviews for Circle Medical are mixed, with positive comments highlighting the ease of scheduling, thorough evaluations, and professional providers. However, negative reviews cite issues with prescription management, communication errors, and administrative inefficiencies.
Reviews from the Apple App Store | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 24.8K reviews
Positive reviews of Circle Medical on the Apple App Store highlight the attentive and personalized care received, particularly for ADHD management. Patients appreciate the thoroughness of providers in understanding their medical history and symptoms, fostering trust and confidence in their treatment. The convenience of same-day appointments, digital prescriptions, and the non-judgmental bedside manner of providers are praised, especially for individuals in areas with limited access to medical care.
Negative reviews of Circle Medical on the Apple App Store highlight various issues, including billing discrepancies, unresponsive customer service, and dissatisfaction with the quality of care received. Users express frustration over unexpected charges, difficulties reaching support, and instances of overcharging for services rendered. Concerns are raised regarding the professionalism of some providers, with complaints about rushed appointments and lack of proper medical guidance. Additionally, some users report feeling misled by the company’s billing practices and the quality of medical advice received.
Reviews from Google Play Store | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.4K reviews
Positive reviews from the Google Play Store include praise for Circle Medical’s convenience and quality of care. One user appreciated the efficient scheduling and rescheduling process facilitated by the app, while another found the video and voice quality to be excellent. Additionally, users have praised their knowledgeable and friendly healthcare providers, describing them as “amazing” and “easy to talk to.”
Negative reviews from the Google Play Store include significant issues with the Circle Medical app, including difficulties with scheduling appointments, receiving timely responses, and encountering compatibility issues with the latest version of Android. Some users have experienced ignored messages, leading to unresolved issues after several days, while others have struggled with the app’s functionality, such as being unable to confirm shipping addresses or upload required documents. Additionally, connectivity problems during appointments have left users frustrated and uncertain about the next steps in their care.
Reviews from Trustpilot | 3.8 out of 5 stars | 1096 reviews
Positive reviews from Trustpilot include patients who commend the doctors at Circle Medical for being patient, thorough, and attentive, making them feel heard and valued. Many express relief at finding Circle Medical, sharing it as a “game changer” compared to their previous healthcare providers. The ease of using the app and the convenience of virtual appointments are highlighted, particularly for those with busy schedules or frequent travel. Patients appreciate the timely responses to their questions and the knowledgeable care they receive. Circle Medical is praised for its personable, compassionate, and professional approach.
Negative reviews from Trustpilot include issues with Circle Medical’s prescription services, including difficulty getting prescriptions filled at local pharmacies and unexpected additional charges. Patients express frustration over being charged for appointments they didn’t have or for services they didn’t receive. Some describe the company as a “cash grab” and express dissatisfaction with the lack of communication and support when issues arise. Complaints about late appointments, lack of Medicare referrals, and poor customer service are common. Additionally, concerns are raised about the company’s response time and the perceived lack of care provided. Overall, these reviews suggest a pattern of poor communication, billing errors, and dissatisfaction with Circle Medical’s service level.
Reviews from BBB | 1.4 out of 5 stars | 102 reviews | A-
Positive reviews of Circle Medical on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlight the effectiveness and convenience of the service, particularly for individuals seeking mental health care and prescription management. Users express satisfaction with the knowledgeable and caring providers, emphasizing the positive impact on their well-being and productivity. Many praise the ease of scheduling appointments and the thoroughness of the care provided.
Negative reviews of Circle Medical on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlight various concerns, including appointment reliability and communication issues. Users report being “ghosted” at their scheduled appointment times, leading to frustration and uncertainty about the legitimacy of the service. Some expressed skepticism about the quality of care, questioning whether Circle Medical is a genuine medical practice. Others criticize the multiple appointment requirements for simple issues, leading to concerns about excessive billing. Additionally, there are complaints about technical difficulties with the app, including problems connecting to appointments and receiving erroneous notifications. These reviewers express dissatisfaction with their experiences and suggest, keep in mind, however, that reviews on BBB tend to skew negative in most instances.
Reviews from Reddit | r/ADHD, r/adhdwomen
Positive comments about Circle Medical on Reddit highlight the ease of scheduling appointments and the thoroughness of the evaluation process. Users appreciate the availability of providers and the flexibility in scheduling follow-up appointments. They find the discussions about treatment options helpful and feel comfortable discussing their medical history and symptoms. The prescription process is generally smooth, with prescriptions often being ready for pickup promptly. Many users express satisfaction with the overall experience, citing the convenience of telehealth appointments and the professionalism of the providers.
Negative comments primarily focus on issues related to prescription management and communication errors. Some users report repeated errors in prescription processing, including incorrect dosages and delays in sending information to pharmacies. There are complaints about difficulties in communicating with the customer service team and frustration over administrative errors, leading to prolonged delays and inconvenience. Despite positive experiences with healthcare providers, these users express dissatisfaction with the administrative aspects of the service, leading some to seek alternative healthcare providers.
Alternatives & Competitors
Circle Medical is a good choice for general mental healthcare, but in certain cases, you may want to use an alternate platform.
Best ADHD Specialists - ADHD Online
Price: $189 for ADHD assessment
Insurance Accepted? No
ADHD Online offers slightly more comprehensive services than Circle Medical, depending on the state you’re in. In some states, they can offer diagnosis, medication, and therapy; however, most states only allow for diagnosis and medication treatment. ADHD Online also offers coaching in all 50 states. More importantly, they employ specialized psychiatrists and ADHD specialists vs. more generalized board-certified physicians.
For additional information, see our ADHD Online Review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - ADHD assessment & diagnosis
- Can prescribe stimulants
Cons - Does not accept insurance
- Not available in all states
Most Comprehensive Mental Healthcare - Brightside Health
Price: $95 – $349 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Circle Medical and Brightside Health are quite different. While Circle Medical is primarily a primary and urgent care provider that also offers medication management, Brightside is focused entirely on mental health. Unlike Circle, Brightside Health does not offer comprehensive ADHD assessments, but it can provide ongoing care for existing ADHD diagnoses with therapy and medication.
Read our Brightside review for more.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans
- High-quality, comprehensive care
Cons - Cash-pay may be expensive for some
- Customer service takes a couple days to respond
Best With Insurance - Talkiatry
Price: ~ $30 copay with insurance
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform that offers comprehensive care for many mental health concerns. It also specializes in providing high-quality care to those experiencing symptoms of ADHD through medication management and talk therapy. Talkiatry doesn’t accept cash-pay and only works with clients that have an in-network insurance plan.
Key differences between Circle Medical and Talkiatry include:
- Talkiatry only accepts clients that have an in-network insurance plan and it doesn’t accept cash-pay. Circle Medical costs $179 for an initial ADHD appointment and follow-up mental health medication sessions cost $120 each. Circle Health accepts many insurance plans, which can lower the cost significantly.
- Talkiatry and Circle Medical are both able to prescribe controlled and non-controlled medications for ADHD management.
- Talkiatry also offers therapy if your prescriber thinks it would work well with your treatment plan; Circle Medical doesn’t offer therapy or coaching services.
In our full review of Talkiatry, we found that it offers a highly comprehensive level of care that takes a whole-person approach. We liked that therapy is available alongside psychiatry, however, Talkiatry isn’t available for cash-pay, so that definitely limits the people it’s right for. If you don’t have insurance, Circle Medical would be the better option of the two.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Accepts many insurance plans
- 300+ highly vetted psychiatrists
Cons - Only accepts in-network patients
- No weekend appointments
Why You Can Trust My Review
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over eight years of experience, I’ve worked with individuals facing a range of mental health challenges, from children in foster care to adults navigating major life transitions. My passion lies in supporting new moms through the transition into motherhood and helping women with late-diagnosed ADHD understand and embrace how their brains are wired.
When I used Circle Medical for an ADHD assessment, I approached it not only as a mental health professional but also as someone who deeply understands the complexities of ADHD. I found that while the platform is convenient and easy to use, it may not be the best fit for those who need specialized psychiatric care. Most of the providers are family doctors rather than psychiatric specialists, which can be a significant limitation for individuals looking for a nuanced ADHD evaluation.
Another concern was the requirement for two brief intake sessions and a physical exam before receiving a prescription. While gathering enough information is important, mandating multiple appointments isn’t always necessary, and the lack of upfront communication about the physical exam requirement could be frustrating for patients.
That said, Circle Medical does well in providing general medical care and medication management. If you’re looking for a straightforward telehealth option for mild to moderate concerns, it can be a good fit.
History & News About Circle Medical
Year Founded: 2015
Parent Company: WELL Health Technologies Corp.
Headquartered In: San Francisco, California
Circle Medical was founded in 2014 to simplify healthcare delivery through technology. Starting in 2017, the company focused on providing in-person care at its San Francisco clinic, but it later expanded its reach through telemedicine platforms. In 2019, Circle Medical partnered with UCSF and established relationships with major insurance companies, increasing access to its services across the United States. As the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many providers into telehealth, Circle Medical served over 50,000 patients monthly and expanded its telehealth services to 32 states.1
In March 2024, Circle Medical announced a major investment of $14.3 million from WELL Health Technologies, allowing for the expansion of its telehealth app and services.2 This investment made the telehealth platform accessible to approximately 200 million people in the United States at no cost or with minimal co-pay when using insurance. Additionally, this partnership opened the door for the company to explore using AI technologies to diagnose rare diseases.3
Overall, Circle Medical has evolved from a local clinic to a nationwide telehealth provider, offering accessible and technology-driven healthcare. Circle Medical continues to shape the telehealth landscape by using patient-centric care, evidence-based practices, and continuous technology innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Circle Medical?
Circle Medical is a virtual primary care platform offering online and in-person appointments. Its goal is to make accessing high-quality healthcare easier and faster.
Is Circle Medical Legit?
Yes, Circle Medical is a legitimate option for fast and efficient primary care and psychiatry services. We have used their services hands-on and found them to be a solid option for many people.
Does Circle Medical Treat ADHD?
Yes, Circle Medical offers assessment, medication management, and referrals for ADHD.
Does Circle Medical Prescribe Adderall?
Yes, Circle Medical may prescribe Adderall for ADHD treatment, depending on individual patient needs and provider assessment. Circle Medical is one of the few online providers that currently remotely prescribes controlled substances for ADHD.
What Medications Does Circle Medical Offer?
Circle Medical offers a range of medications typically prescribed for primary care needs, including but not limited to antibiotics, antidepressants, stimulants for ADHD, birth control, allergy medications, and medications for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
How Much Does Circle Medical Cost?
Circle Medical costs between $30 and $275 if you pay for services out of pocket. They also accept most major insurance plans, which can reduce the cost of their services.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for Circle Medical?
Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA funds for mental health services from Circle Medical.
Does Circle Medical Issue Refunds?
Circle Medical may offer refunds on a case-by-case basis. If you feel you should be entitled to a refund, reach out to Circle Medical customer service through the Circle Medical app or by emailing
Which States Is Circle Medical In?
Circle Medical provides care in the following 32 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Is Circle Medical HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes, Circle Medical has privacy practices that are compliant with HIPAA standards, ensuring that patient information is securely protected following federal regulations. Review Circle Medical’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for more details.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Circle Medical (n.d.) About circle. About Circle. Retrieved from: https://www.circlemedical.com/about-circle?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=BrandedSearch&utm_term=e_circle+medical&utm_content=658973069943&gclid=CjwKCAjw9IayBhBJEiwAVuc3fsDRegoeL8SfEQnanxcdnI6YaQuo6JZqE6EMccL3SS0Hc4HKFN7ydhoCwoEQAvD_BwE
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Jercich, K. (2020, September 4). Circle Medical says $14m from WELL Health will enable low-cost telehealth app usage. Healthcare IT News. Retrieved from: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/circle-medical-says-14m-well-health-will-enable-low-cost-telehealth-app-usage
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HEALWELL AI Inc. (2024, March 14). Healwell AI announces New Commercial Agreements with WELL Health USA and Circle Medical, bringing AI-based preventative care solutions to U.S. market. GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved from: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/03/14/2846151/0/en/HEALWELL-AI-Announces-New-Commercial-Agreements-with-WELL-HEALTH-USA-and-Circle-Medical-Bringing-AI-Based-Preventative-Care-Solutions-to-U-S-Market.html
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated price from $100 – $179 to $120 – $179 per session; Fact checked all information; updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability; updated formatting.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated pricing; Medicare acceptance. Updated language and clarity.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Removed Done as a recommended alternative to Circle Medical and added Talkiatry in its place.
Author: Allison Lieberman, LMFT
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
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